Targeted memory reactivation of newly learned words during sleep triggers REM-mediated integration of new memories and existing knowledge

Jakke Tamminen, Matthew Lambon Ralph, Penelope Lewis

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Abstract

Recent memories are spontaneously reactivated during sleep, leading to their gradual strengthening. Whether reactivation also mediates the integration of new memories with existing knowledge is unknown. We used targeted memory reactivation (TMR) during slow-wave sleep (SWS) to selectively cue reactivation of newly learned spoken words. While integration of new words into their phonological neighbourhood was observed in both cued and uncued words after sleep, TMR-triggered integration was predicted by the time spent in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. These data support complementary roles for SWS and REM in memory consolidation.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)77–82
Number of pages6
JournalNeurobiology of Learning and Memory
Volume137
Early online date15 Nov 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2017

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